Making your own homemade vegetable stock at home is not just a culinary adventure; it’s a journey towards sustainability and mindful cooking. The aroma that fills the kitchen as the stock simmers is a reminder of the simple yet profound joys of cooking from scratch.
This homemade vegetable stock is a versatile base for numerous dishes, from comforting soups to rich sauces and stews. It’s a recipe that encourages you to use vegetable scraps, thereby reducing waste and promoting a sustainable kitchen. So the next time you’re about to reach for that store-bought broth, remember that making your own is not just better for your palate, but also for the planet.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium onions, halved
- 4 medium carrots, chopped
- 1 to 2 medium celery stalks, chopped
- Leek or fennel tops, chopped
- 1 garlic bulb, halved
- Handful of fresh parsley
- 1 small bunch fresh thyme
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 10 to 12 cups filtered water
Directions:
- Place the onions, carrots, celery, leek tops, garlic, parsley, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper in a large pot.
- Add 10-12 cups of filtered water to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer gently, covered, for 1 hour.
- Strain and discard the vegetables.
- Season to taste and use in your favorite soup recipes.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 8 servings
What Not to Include in Vegetable Stock ?
While most vegetables can be thrown into a stockpot, there are certain ones you might want to avoid to ensure a clear and well-balanced flavor.
- Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage can dominate the stock’s flavor and give it a bitter taste. Learn more about cruciferous vegetables and their properties.
- Starchy Vegetables: Potatoes, sweet potatoes, and corn can make your stock cloudy and overly thick.
- Beets and Red Cabbage: These can impart a deep red color, which might not be ideal for all dishes.
- Bitter Greens: Turnip greens, mustard greens, and beet greens can render a bitter flavor.
- Overpowering Herbs: While herbs add depth, be cautious with strong ones like rosemary or sage which can easily overpower.
What is the difference between vegetable broth and vegetable stock?
Many use the terms ‘broth’ and ‘stock’ interchangeably, but there are subtle differences:
- Flavor Profile: Vegetable broth is often lighter in flavor, seasoned, and can be consumed on its own. Vegetable stock, on the other hand, is richer and forms a robust base for dishes.
- Cooking Time: Broths are typically simmered for a shorter period, capturing the essence of the vegetables. Stocks are simmered longer, extracting deeper flavors.
- Usage: While both can be used interchangeably in recipes, broths are usually preferred for soups and stocks for sauces and risottos.
For a detailed comparison, you can visit this link.
Is Homemade Vegetable Stock Worth It?
Absolutely, and here’s why:
- Flavor Control: Making stock at home lets you tailor it to your preference, allowing for adjustments in salt, herbs, and vegetable combinations.
- Cost-Efficient: Utilize vegetable scraps, reducing waste and saving money.
- No Preservatives: Store-bought versions might contain additives and preservatives. Homemade stock is natural and fresh.
- Versatility: Create variations like mushroom-heavy stock for umami flavor or herb-infused stock for a refreshing twist.
What Vegetable Scraps Should Not Be Used for Stock?
While vegetable scraps are a great way to make use of all parts of the vegetable, some might not be ideal for stock:
- Dirty or Rotten Scraps: Ensure scraps are clean. Rotting or moldy scraps can ruin your stock’s flavor and could be harmful.
- Pesticide-Treated Vegetables: If your vegetables aren’t organic, make sure to wash them thoroughly to remove any pesticides.
- Thick Skins: While onion and garlic skins can add color and flavor, thick skins like those of winter squash might not break down well.